George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732.
He grew up there on several plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers.
In 1753, he began his service to the country, which was to continue throughout his life, despite his desire to live a more private existence.
In 1775 Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army.
Despite overwhelming obstacles, Washington turned the Continental Army into a trained and disciplined fighting force.
After many setbacks, in 1781, with the aid of the French, the Americans finally forced the surrender of a large British force at the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia.
After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Washington returned to his home, Mount Vernon.
Although he did not initially want to attend the Philadelphia Convention, his friends convinced him that his presence was necessary.
He was elected president of the convention but spoke little.
His presence and approval, however, were important.
Nearly everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president of the United States, which, of course, he was, serving from 1789-1797.
